Hossam Hassan pushes for early Egypt camp ahead of 2026 World Cup preparations

Tharwat Sweilem, a member of the Professional Clubs Association, has revealed that Egypt national team coach Hossam Hassan is keen to begin an early training camp as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even before the conclusion of the CAF Confederation Cup final second leg.

Zamalek are set to face Algeria’s USM Alger in the two-legged final scheduled for May 9 and May 16, while the Egyptian Premier League is tentatively expected to conclude on May 15.

Speaking to ON E channel, Sweilem said: “Hossam Hassan wants to start the national team camp on May 16, in preparation for the World Cup.”

He noted that the timing raises logistical challenges given club commitments, adding that discussions are ongoing regarding the domestic schedule. “The national team is above everyone,” he said, stressing the priority placed on international duty.

Sweilem explained that the coach’s plan is to begin camp on May 16, with players involved in club competitions joining later. “He believes every day matters, and that is his vision. What happens next will depend on the league fixtures,” he said.

He also pointed out the scheduling strain involving Zamalek’s fixtures, noting the possibility that the club could play a domestic league match between the two Confederation Cup final legs.

However, he reiterated that the league organisers had previously agreed not to grant further postponements for participating clubs.

“It is not reasonable for Zamalek to play on May 15 in the league and then again on May 16 in a continental final,” Sweilem said, highlighting the minimum required recovery period between matches.

He further confirmed that Zamalek had not requested a postponement of their league match against Smouha, scheduled for May 5, ahead of their trip to Algeria for the first leg of the final.